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    Bajaj Racer, Hammer, Aura Registered – New Electric Scooter, Motorcycle?

    Most OEMs work proactively to register various trademarks, even though only a few may actually get launchedImage for illustration purpose onlyProduct names play an important role in shaping consumer perceptions, which is why a lot of time is spent to find the best names possible. Pulsar is a relevant example that single-handedly changed the fortunes of the company. OEMs usually have a 5 to 10 year plan about new products to be launched. That’s where it becomes important to trademark the names in advance.OEMs like Bajaj Auto have been quite active in terms of registering new names. Recently, Bajaj Auto has registered three new names – Bajaj Aura, Bajaj Racer and Bajaj Hammer. All of these trademarks are registered under Class 12, which means they can be scooters, motorcycles, electric vehicles, etc.Bajaj registers three new names – Racer, Hammer and AuraBajaj Aura, Racer, Hammer – What could they be?Application status of all three new trademarks is ‘Formalities Chk Pass’. Bajaj Aura seems a good fit for a scooter, although Hyundai already has the Aura sedan. But a trademark clash is unlikely as Bajaj Aura won’t be the name of a 4-wheeled passenger vehicle. It is to note that Benling already has an electric scooter registered as Aura. However, it is marketed as Aura-Li. Even Hero Electric had applied for Aura trademark in 2022, but it was objected.As Bajaj does not have plans to return to ICE scooter segment, possibilities for Bajaj Aura are limited to being an electric scooter. It could be used for Bajaj’s upcoming premium electric scooter that is being developed in collaboration with KTM and Husqvarna.Bajaj Racer could be an all new electric motorcycleTalking about Bajaj Racer, the name can work for a performance machine. However, Bajaj already has the Pulsar and Dominar range. So, launching a new sub-brand of performance bikes seems unlikely. But if Bajaj is planning to launch electric motorcycles in future, the Racer name can be considered. However, the ‘Racer’ name is pretty generic. It doesn’t seem appropriate for Bajaj’s first electric motorcycle.Third trademark is Bajaj Hammer, which seems relevant for an ICE motorcycle. A bike with Hammer name was produced by American motorcycle manufacturer Victory Motorcycles. However, the company is no longer operational. Bajaj shouldn’t have any issues with using the Hammer name in Indian market. The term ‘Hammer’ exudes a sense of robustness. It can be applied to a commuter bike as well as a premium roadster or adventure bike.No clarity on launch timelinesRegistration of trademark names does not necessarily mean a potential launch. It may or may not happen. It can take years for these trademarks to reach the market or things can work out much faster.Also, unless the trademarks are ‘Registered’, it is always possible that the application could be objected to, withdrawn or sent for more detailed assessment. Last year, Bajaj had registered trademark names like Darkstar, Technik and Tecnica. These are yet to be utilized commercially. More

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    New Hero Motorcycle Design Patent Leaks – Hunk 200cc To Rival Pulsar, Apache?

    Upon launch, Hero’s new motorcycle could take on rivals such as TVS Apache RTR 200 4V and Bajaj Pulsar NS200New Hero Motorcycle Design Patent Leaks – Is it Hunk 200cc?India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp has started looking beyond the commuter segment. The company has plans to launch multiple new products in 200cc to 500cc segment. This space is expected to register strong growth in coming years and Hero wants to make the most of it.Last month in March, it was revealed that Hero will be bringing back Karizma in its new-gen avatar. Now, patent documents reveal another new bike, which is expected to be Hunk 200. While Hunk is no longer available in India, it is sold in several international markets. New Hunk planned for India will have a unique profile and equipment list.New Hero Motorcycle Design Patent Leaks – Is it Hunk 200cc?Hero Hunk 200 stylingJust like other bikes in this segment, Hero Hunk 200 has a sleek profile. It is expected to have all-LED lighting. Some of the key highlights include compact headlamp cowl, wide handlebar, sculpted fuel tank design, sporty shoulder fairing, rugged engine protector, cone-shaped exhaust canister, single-piece saddle and boomerang-styled grab rails.Hero Hunk 200 could get a full-digital instrument console. It is expected to be a compact unit, all while displaying a wide range of information. It remains to be seen if Bluetooth-based connectivity features will be available with the bike. Among rivals, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has a dedicated connectivity suite. In comparison, Bajaj Pulsar NS200 does not have connectivity options.Riding stance seems a bit committed with the slightly low-set handlebar. However, foot pegs appear to be centrally mounted. Rider seat section has a scooped profile, which should ensure adequate comfort even during longer journeys. It also lowers the seat height, improving overall balance and handling. The bike appears to be agile and highly manoeuvrable, making it suitable for city streets. Pillion seat section seems a bit narrow, but the panels on the side are quite wide. These should ensure adequate thigh support.Hero Hunk 200 engine, specsPowering Hero Hunk 200 could be a new engine. Lack of a radiator indicates that the bike will have an air-cooled engine. Power and torque output could be comparable to other street bikes in this segment. For reference, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has a 197.75cc engine. In Sport mode, it churns out 20.82 PS of max power and 17.25 Nm of peak torque. Pulsar NS200 is equipped with a 199.5 cc motor that makes 24.5 PS and 18.74 Nm.Hero Hunk 200 is expected to get 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with standard tubeless tyres. It will have disc brakes at both ends, with at least single-channel ABS. Suspension system comprises telescopic forks at front and a monoshock unit at rear. There is unlikely to be any premium equipment such as ride-by-wire tech and slipper clutch. Hero is likely to focus on sporty styling, peppy performance and affordable pricing to make it work. More

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    One-off TVR Cerbera Speed 12 Deemed Too Wild for Production Can Be Yours

    The TVR Cerbera Speed 12 is the wildest TVR ever to be unleashed on the street.Built to compete in the GT1 racing series, this one-off road-legal version of the Cerbera has an 800-plus-hp 7.7-liter V-12 and weighs less than 2200 pounds.This car, the lone surviving example, is coming to Silverstone Auctions this May.The TVR Cerbera, introduced in 1996, was a powerful fiberglass-bodied sports car that could be seen as the U.K.’s Chevrolet Corvette—or maybe its Dodge Viper. In stock form, the Cerbera topped out at 450 horsepower. It also lacked such rudimentary driver assists as traction control or anti-lock brakes. We called the Cerbera “equal parts terrifying and awesome.” What, then, to make of this one-off that nearly doubles its output?Related StoriesWith the Speed 12, TVR built a 7.7-liter V-12 engine out of two of its inline-sixes and crammed that engine into a Kevlar and carbon-fiber body that weighed roughly the same as a first-generation Mazda Miata. Dangerous? It’s like playing cricket with hand grenades. But now, this lone survivor Speed 12 can be yours.Silverstone AuctionsSilverstone AuctionsBlackpool-based TVR does have a reputation for building brutishly insane vehicles, but the Speed 12 was not merely a fit of madness. Instead, it was built as a potential competitor to the likes of the McLaren F1, the Porsche 911 GT1, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. Today, those three are some of the most desirable road cars ever built, homologation specials exactingly engineered for racing dominance at Le Mans.This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.2000 TVR Cerbera Speed 12Watch onYouTube IconYouTube IconTVR’s take on the GT1 class was less a racing scalpel and more a board with a nail sticking out of it. There were a few teething issues in getting this English-bred mad dog into production. First, the FIA took one look at the monster engine of the Speed 12 and slapped a couple of intake restrictors on it, knocking power down to 675 horsepower. Porsche and Mercedes-Benz had huge R&D budgets next to tiny TVR, and in this case, the German Goliaths stomped David into jelly. The Speed 12 did win a few races in Britain but never competed at Le Mans as intended.No problem, said TVR. If we can’t build the world’s fastest race car, let’s build the world’s most homicidal road car. Its engineers strapped an unrestricted version of the 7.7-liter V-12 onto the dyno—and the dyno promptly exploded. Eventually, power was confirmed to be in the mid-800-hp range.Silverstone AuctionsAt the time, TVR was headed by Peter Wheeler, a chemical engineer who made his fortune in the U.K.’s North Sea oil boom. Wheeler was something of a larger-than-life character—in one instance, his dog attacked the prototype body shell of the Chimera, and he liked the resulting holes so much the production car got them. He was imposing in person and capable behind the wheel. But the Speed 12 was too much even for him.Silverstone AuctionsReturning from a drive in the prototype, Wheeler declared the Cerbera Speed 12 to be too outrageously wild for the road, and the production-car program was scrapped. The road cars were scavenged for parts for the limited racing the Speed 12 did, and that was that. However, one prototype shell survived, and in 2003, TVR put this lone example up for sale. Wheeler personally vetted the buyer.Silverstone AuctionsNow, the Cerbera Speed 12 is up for sale at Silverstone Auctions, ready for a new owner. If you are the sort of person who just read that bit about a car’s design being based on a dog attacking the bodywork and thought, “That sounds fine and normal,” then this is the car for you. Massively powerful, dangerously fast, and a complete handful, the Speed 12 is essentially the most TVR of all the TVRs. It can be yours—if you dare.Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoContributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

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    GMC/EarthCruiser Tease an Overlanding Version of the Hummer EV

    GMC and EarthCruiser are working together to create an overlanding version of the Hummer EV pickup. They plan to reveal it as a concept late this summer.A teaser image shows a Hummer EV with a taller roof blanketed in solar panels, which should help the overlanding vehicle stay off the grid for longer periods of time. GMC claims a 329-mile range for the Hummer EV pickup, but the overlanding setup will add weight and is likely to drop that figure significantly.GMC is teaming up with Oregon-based EarthCruiser Overland Vehicles—purveyor of burly all-terrain RVs—to create a special version of the Hummer EV pickup. The concept, set to be revealed late this summer, is meant to preview the future of overlanding, a hobby that combines off-roading and camping and has exploded in popularity in recent years. The concept is expected to lead to an overland upfit for the Hummer EV pickup that will eventually be available to customers.GMCThe announcement of the collaboration was accompanied by a shadowy teaser image showing the Hummer EV concept from the side. The vehicle appears to have a higher roofline than the stock Hummer EV SUV, which is supposed to reach dealerships this spring. We can also spy several solar panels covering the roof, which should boost the overlanding Hummer’s range, allowing for more time off the grid. A protrusion along the side of the vehicle should also allow for more space in the back of the off-road camper.More Cool Exploration VehiclesWeight Should Be Impressive While the Hummer EV certainly has the off-road chops to conquer challenging terrain, the biggest question surrounding this concept and its future production potential will be the driving range. The Hummer EV is already an incredibly heavy vehicle, with the pickup weighing in at 9640 pounds, and adding the overland setup will only increase the weight, in turn reducing the efficiency of the electric powertrain. GMC estimates 329 miles of range, while a 2022 Hummer EV pickup traveled 290 miles in our 75-mph highway test. Hopefully GMC and EarthCruiser will be able to provide some answers when the concept is shown later this year.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

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    Window Shop: Racetrack Thrills for Less Than $40,000

    This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.The Best Lightning Lap Cars for $40k | Window Shop with Car and Driver | EP109Watch onYouTube IconYouTube IconIn a world of constant change and turmoil, it’s comforting to have some constants. Some things to rely upon. Some things that will always be there regularly, predictably, on schedule. Well, that’s not Car and Driver’s YouTube spectacular, Window Shop.But here it is, after more than a month of hibernation, back again. It’s not the world’s most beloved Zoom-based content, but it’s fun for us anyhow.This episode’s challenge was to find a vehicle that would be fun to drive around Virginia International Raceway, the road course that has long been home to C/D’s beloved annual Lightning Lap feature. Not that all of the participants have actually been welcomed to Lightning Lap.The Real ThingSo join us for about an hour’s worth of sniping, snipping, sniveling, and navel gazing about finding the right fun thing for less than $40,000.Aboard for this episode are major domo Tony Quiroga, minor domo K.C. Colwell, senior doma Elana Scherr, favorite contributing domo Jonathon Ramsey, and some guy named John Pearley Huffman.In color! Often hazy and washed out. But color nonetheless.More Window ShoppingCar and driverCar and driver Lettermark logoSenior EditorJohn Pearley Huffman has been writing about cars since 1990 and is getting okay at it. Besides Car and Driver, his work has appeared in the New York Times and more than 100 automotive publications and websites. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara, he still lives near that campus with his wife and two children. He owns a pair of Toyota Tundras and two Siberian huskies. He used to have a Nova and a Camaro. More

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    2023 Honda SP125 Launch Price Rs 85k – Gets BSVI OBD2 Compliant

    In its budget motorcycle hierarchy, Honda SP125 updated for MY2023 comes off as more premium than the company’s highest-selling commuter Shine2023 Honda SP125India is considered to be one of the, if not, the largest market for motorcycles and scooters. Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India has strived hard to stay relevant in this price-sensitive market by adhering to customer needs. Even though CB Shine is Honda’s rockstar among budget commuters in India, SP 125 is just as important.For MY2023, Honda has updated SP125 to comply with phase II of BS6 standards along with OBDII for real-time emission tracking. Prices start at Rs. 85,121 for drum brake variant and Rs. 89,131 for disc brake variant (both prices ex-sh). There are five colours on offer, Black, Matte Axis Grey Metallic, Imperial Red Metallic, Pearl Siren Blue & a new Matt Marvel Blue Metallic shade.2023 Honda SP1252023 Honda SP125 – What’s Changed?For starters, SP125 is slightly more premium than Shine. This gets a ton of additional tech and features that Shine simply misses out on. In terms of styling too, Honda SP125 updated for MY2023 comes off as one of the premium 125cc commuters to rival TVS Raider and Bajaj Pulsar NS125. While Shine takes on lower-tier 125cc commuters. With MY2023, SP125 gets a 100-section tyre, updated graphics and more.To back up its premium appeal, Honda bestows a ton of equipment on new SP125. Making it one of the most VFM offerings in this space. The main highlight of this update is its beating 125cc heart. It is now BS6 phase II compliant, meeting RDE norms and also meets E20 compatibility (20% ethanol blend).2023 Honda SP125OBDII compliance allows Honda to monitor emissions of said vehicle in real time. Making its PGM-FI 125cc engine, even greener for years to come. Honda SP125 updated for MY023 also comes equipped with eSP (Enhanced Smart Power). Honda calls it future technology that has brought SP125 to global standards.What Is Honda’s eSP Tech?Honda’s eSP is a culmination of a silent starter generator (ACG), Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), friction reduction, fully digital meter, fuel efficiency details, ECO indicator and gear position indicator. ACG allows for silent cranking of engine without the need for a conventional starter motor.The ECO indicator makes sure that rider is traveling in optimum gear, matching the speed traversed. If not on, rider can vary throttle inputs to get his ECO indicator to turn on. The 124cc engine makes 10.72 bhp of power and 10.9 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed gearbox, while Shine just gets four cogs.2023 Honda SP125Features & Rivals In Similar Price BracketHonda SP125 updated for MY2023 gets quite a few features over a Shine. For starters, SP125 gets LED headlights, a fully digital instrument cluster, ECO indicator, gear position indicator, service reminder, distance to empty, real-time fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency and more. Once a novelty on Honda bikes, now SP125 gets an engine kill switch too.Honda doesn’t include Bluetooth connectivity, which rivals from TVS and Hero offer. Speaking of rivals, we have Passion XTEC, Super Splendor and Glamour from Hero, Pulsar 125 and Pulsar NS125 from Bajaj and the benchmark of this segment TVS Raider 125. More

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    Odysse Electric Motorcycle Launch Price Rs 1.1 L – 125 km Range, Pulsar Styling

    Odysse Vader electric motorcycle has been launched today – It gets styling inspired by Bajaj PulsarOdysse Electric MotorcycleMumbai based Odysse Electric Vehicles, which currently has a lineup of electric two-wheelers, among which are the Evoqis, V2 and E2Go, have just launched the Vader, electric motorcycle. This is India’s first motorbike that comes in powered by a 7 inch android display unit. It can be accessed via an App and Bluetooth connectivity.Odysse Vader is priced at Rs 1,09,999 (ex-sh Ahmedabad), (inclusive of FAME II and state subsidy). It is priced at Rs 1.29 lakh (ex-sh including FAME II & state subsidies) across other states. This makes the Vader the 2nd most expensive bike in the company lineup after the Odysse Evoqis, which priced at Rs 1.71 Lakh.Odysse Electric MotorcycleOdysse Vader is India’s first electric Motorcycle powered by 7” Android DisplayBookings have opened for the Odysse Vader at Rs 999 either online or via company dealerships with deliveries set to commence from July 2023. It is presented in colour options of Midnight Blue, Fiery Red, Glossy Black, Venom Green and Misty Grey.In terms of design, it sports a headlamp and cowl that look identical to that seen on the  Bajaj CT 125X. Its tank extensions, split seats and footpegs are reminiscent of those seen on the Bajaj Pulsar 150.Odysse Electric MotorcycleThe Odysse EV App allows for connectivity features such as bike locator, geo fencing, immobilization, anti theft, track and trace and battery alerts. It rides on 17 inch alloy wheels and gets a 7 inch display unit that is rated at IP67 for both dust and water resistance. Other features include Google Maps navigation, LED lighting and an 18 liter storage space.Odysse Electric MotorcycleOdysse Electric Motorcycle – Battery Specs, RangeThis made-in-India electric motorcycle is powered by a 3kW motor offering 6.03 hp peak power along with peak torque of 170 Nm along with a 3.7 kWh battery pack. The battery pack is not only IP67 rated but has also received AIS-156 approval.Odysse Electric Motorcycle SpecsThe battery which can be fully charged from 0-100 percent in 4 hours comes in with three ride modes of Eco, Drive and Sports. Under Eco Mode, Vader electric motorcycle commands a 125 km range. This goes down to 100kms under Drive Mode while it stands at 90 kms range in Sports Mode. Top speed is 85 km/h.Odysse Electric Motorcycle – Features, Battery DetailsThe Vader gets a combi braking system with disc brake measuring 240mm in the front and 220 mm disc at the rear. Kerb weight is at 128 kgs. Suspension duties are handled by a telescopic fork in the front and dual spring load shocks at the rear. Odysse is offering a warranty of 3 years on the battery and 3 years on the powertrain. Odysse Vader will compete with the Revolt RV400 and Tork Kratos in its segment.Odysse Electric MotorcycleAlong with the launch of the new Vader electric motorcycle, the company has also reiterated plans to bring in a new electric scooter sometime later this year. Odysse also sets targets to expand its reach across India from a current 68 outlets to 150 dealerships by the end of 2023 along with targeting a 300 percent increase in sales. More

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    2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Prices Keep Getting Higher and Higher

    UPDATE 3/31/2023: A Ford spokesperson confirmed to Car and Driver that prices have increased for the 2023 F-15o Lightning. They also said the company did it to address supply-chain issues as well as the current cost of materials and market factors.When will Ford stop raising prices of the F-150 Lightning? At the rate things are going, the electric pickup truck will likely cost even more before we find out. Since the F-150 EV debuted for the 2022 model year, its base MSRP has risen by about $20K (from $41,769 to now $61,869).While there were several step increases in between then and now, it’s an eye-opening difference nonetheless, especially given it all happened after one model year. Since August 2022, Ford has now increased Lightning prices no less than four times, with the latest bump first reported by Automotive News. The starting price of the base-level Pro has risen by $4000, from to $57,869 to $61,869.Lightning Prices: Up and Up and UpThe other three 2023 F-150 Lightning models cost more too, albeit by smaller margins. The XLT with the standard-range battery only costs an extra $175, whereas the base prices of the Lariat and Platinum jump by $1500 and $1200, respectively.A Ford spokesperson has confirmed the Lightning’s price hikes to Car and Driver. They also said the company is raising costs to address “current material costs, market factors, and supply chain constraints.” Ford has issued similar statements for past Lightning price increases.Earlier this month—following a weeks-long stoppage due to a battery issue that has since been fixed—Ford announced plans to triple the number of F-150 Lightnings it builds this year. With full production resuming this week at its Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, and trucks now being shipped to customers, Ford says it has reopened order banks for the next wave of reservation holders. However, the Lighting Pro is said to still be sold out to retail customers.Now the question remains: How many more times might the company raise the truck’s price in 2023? Watch this space to find out.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More